Mightier Than a Sword: The Best Tactical Pens That Can Save Your Life

Walking down the street alone at night, in a road rage incident, or deep in the woods, there are a lot of moments in life where you might wish you had a way to defend yourself.

In 2016, over 5 million people reported being the victim of a violent crime. You never know when you might find yourself in a bad situation–it’s better to be prepared

There’s a chance you already carry some things on hand, like a cell phone, wallet, or writing pen. Why not opt for a pen that could save your life in an emergency?

The best tactical pens out there will be able to do it all. They can function as writing utensils, helpful tools, and formidable weapons. Better yet, they’re easy to keep on hand in case of an emergency.

Those kinds of dangerous situations might be few and far between, but with a tactical pen, you’ll never be caught off guard. Here are some of the best tactical pens on the market–so you can keep safety right in your back pocket.

1. Cold Steel Pocket Shark

Often called the “Charlie’s Angels” of tactical pens, the Cold Steel Pocket Shark looks just like any ordinary permanent marker. While it works just as well as a regular sharpie, it’s also made with high impact plastic that’s up to 4 times thicker than an average marker.

This means that it’s built for impact. Whether you’re jabbing it into an opponent’s throat or using it to fend off blows, it can handle anything you throw at it.

2. Uzi Tactical Glassbreaker Pen

This tactical pen doubles as another helpful tool. It’s made of aircraft grade aluminum and comes in a stealthy color–so nobody will know that it’s more than a pen.

With its sharp tip made of tempered steel, the Uzi Tactical Glassbreaker Pen can disable an attacker and also shatter glass of almost any thickness.

On top of all of that, it makes a pretty handy pen too. The ballpoint tip can function in wet or dry conditions, so you can take it anywhere you want.

3. Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen

The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen was based on the designs of official law enforcement defense weapons. These are truly tactical–both in appearance and performance. The tempered steel tip can punch through windows, and the heavy-duty steel body means it’s sturdy enough to double as a self-defense weapon.

If you’re looking for something hardcore and capable, this tactical pen is a perfect choice. It’s a little heavier than the other options, but it’s up for almost any task.

4. Schrade Tactical Fountain Pen

This pen is all about being both classy and powerful. Instead of a ballpoint, the Schrade Tactical Fountain Pen comes with a classic fountain pen nib.

It has a refined, sleek surface and writes smoothly. But don’t be deceived by it’s pretty looks. This fountain pen is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has a sharp steel tip. It might be classy, but it’s still a brutal instrument that could tear through flesh or knock the breath out of an attacker.

5. Smith & Wesson Military and Police Tactical Pen

This pen is often used as a military or law enforcement defense tool–and it’s easy to see why. This 3 in 1 pen can do it all. It works as a functional pen, has a powerful blunt tip for attacking, and it can even be used on touchscreen devices like phones or tablets.

Smith & Wesson is known for high-quality products, and you won’t be disappointed with their tactical pen. Made of high-grade aluminum, it won’t get scuffed and has a sleek look that blends with your day to day belongings.

6. Nitecore NTP10 Tactical Pen

This tactical pen is lightweight, durable, and looks gorgeous. With a sleek titanium build and a copper design down the sides, this pen has the best of both worlds.

The titanium construction means that it won’t rust, it won’t wear, and it probably won’t break–no matter how much pressure you put it under. This strength also means it packs a very powerful punch.

One of the best parts about this tactical pen is actually the way the pen operates. It has a nice gel finish and can write on any surface under any conditions, including in space.

Some of the additional features include a tungsten steel tip which can break windows and a clip so you can carry it with you wherever you go.

7. Inazuma Tactical Pen

This tactical pen isn’t just a means of self defense–it has other tools attached. The pen is made of aluminum with a steel alloy head used for attack. While the aluminum is strong, it keeps the pen thin and lightweight so it’s easy to use.

The Inazuma Tactical Pen comes with built-in multi-tools like a screwdriver, wrench, bottle opener, and scraper. It also has a built-in flashlight with up to 10 hours of battery.

So if you’re looking for a tool that can handle all of your needs–from emergencies to day to day demands–this pen can do it all.

The Best Tactical Pens for Self Defense

Although you aren’t likely to encounter an assault any time soon, it can give you some peace of mind to have a self-defense product on hand. Making the tactical pen a part of your everyday carry can do more than help you feel safer–it could save your life.

This list has some of the best tactical pens available on the market. These options are powerful, durable, and easy to carry around with you anywhere you go. And many of them have multiple functions.

With one of these heavy duty defensive pens in your pocket, you can avoid becoming just another statistic.